Chicken Fatayer/ Stuffed buns – Aromatherapy in your kitchen

The cold December air is heavy with the delicious aromas of baked delicacies.It seems like the whole world is busy with one thing-baking. Anywhere you go, you get that whiff of cakes, breads or cookies being baked somewhere in the neighborhood,stimulating your senses and evoking a mood of cheer and revelry . These mouth watering floating aromas trigger happy childhood memories surrounding us with an overwhelming feeling of de’javu and create an instant craving for them.

Much as it is easy to buy baked goodies from the store, the process of baking them in our own home is an exhilarating experience on its own. The feel of the flour, the sound of the blender,the sight of the rising bread in the oven, the ambrosial lingering smell and finally the delicious taste of the final product– all these experiences arouse and tickle our senses to mixed feelings of pride and satisfaction.

Savory or sweet, baking always works as therapy for me. Aromatherapy without shelling money in the spa 😉

When I came across this delicious recipe for Chicken Fatayer @Taste of Emarat there was no stopping me.

Fatayer is popularly found in Arab bakeries in different shapes and fillings. Generally cheese fatayer comes in boat shapes, spinach in triangular and meat in square or bun shapes.The dough is easy to make and does not require much resting time. The baked fatayer come out soft and fluffy. You can experiment with the fillings. Either you make it from scratch or just use leftover beef,mutton or chicken with some caramelized onions.

Chicken Fatayer

Place the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the yeast, sugar and salt , then add the water and oil. Mix well until combined then knead for 5 minutes. Put it in a glass bowl and cover it with cling film and leave aside till double in size.

Ingredients for filling:

2 cups of boiled and shredded chicken

1 onion

2 cloves garlic chopped

salt to taste

1/4 tsp. turmeric powder

1/2 tsp. pepper/red chilli powder

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. olive oil

Cheese optional

Put oil in a pan and saute onions and garlic. Add chicken and spices. saute and take off heat.

Assembling the Fatayer:

Take the dough out and punch it lightly. Make 10-12 round balls from it. With your fingertips flatten each ball and put a teaspoon of the filling. pick up the sides and close to form a ball.Make all the balls in a similar way. Grease a baking tray and place the balls with a gap of 1 inch between them. Brush with a whisked egg. sprinkle sesame seeds if you like. Bake in a pre heated oven at 180º C for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Thank you so much dear Judi. Wish I could send it right across to you. I remember Jhuls had made something similar- Asado buns. And I had told her that I was about to bake Chicken fatayer. And Cheese yes!! My favorite too. But I have a lot of family get togethers and parties to attend this month. So I need to count my calories 😀

yum Yum, I looked at aromatherapy in the title and was dumbfounded, 😀 It certainly is a pleasure especially for one who also waits to eat, yum, you always make me crave seeing the food you post. I would have it with tea and chicken makes me hungry right now. Thank you for sharing dear. 🙂 🙂

Wow, these look amazing. I love making bread, you’re so right, there’s something magical about watching them rise as they bake. First time I’ve come across fatayer, on my list to try now. Thanks for sharing 🙂

I love your idea of aromatherapy! 😉 I’ve never heard of fatayer; so glad you “introduced” me to it. My family would really like these, and I think they would be perfect in a school lunch box. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for your kind words ☺ I simply love the delicious aromas wafting out of the oven. They make a home so warm and cozy.The Fatayer is indeed delish. I am sure your kids are going to love it in the lunch box.

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